Volunteers For Health, Northants

Embedding volunteering in health and care

Volunteers for Health (VfH) Northants is an ambitious, system–wide programme, funded by NHS England, NHS Charities Together and CW+, and led by Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire. Running through to June 2027, it is all about embedding volunteering at the heart of health and care in a way that is innovative, inclusive and sustainable. At its core, VfH is working to build a more connected and impactful volunteering system that truly supports the wellbeing of local communities. This means tackling long–standing challenges such as fragmented approaches, a lack of diversity in who volunteers, missed opportunities to share roles effectively, and the ongoing difficulty of recruiting and retaining volunteers. Working closely with a dedicated Steering Group and delivery partners, the programme is strengthening collaboration, improving systems and structures, and enhancing the overall volunteer experience. Through practical support, training, and Test & Learn funding, VfH is helping organisations to grow, adapt and play a fuller role in shaping a more joined–up, people–centred health and care system.

Volunteers for Health, Our Journey So Far

Volunteers for Health Northants (VfH) has evolved significantly between July 2024 and June 2026, moving from foundation to delivery and growing strategic influence. From July 2024 to June 2026, Volunteers for Health has grown from a strong idea into a collaborative, system–wide movement. It began with securing the grant, shaping and agreeing a clear theory of change, and bringing together a committed Steering Group. From there, delivery partners were established and work quickly moved into action—exploring the landscape through mapping and benchmarking and bringing people together at the first VfH Conference in 2025. The insights from this helped spark focused working groups and a series of test–and–learn projects, with learning shared openly along the way. Alongside this, key foundations were put in place, including the Volunteer Management Toolkit, Volunteer Charter, and overarching strategy. The programme has also explored new ideas like volunteer passporting, while staying agile and responsive to wider system changes such as the ICB merger and emerging Neighbourhood Care model. As we look ahead, VfH is building on this momentum, with a full programme impact evaluation to be published in 2027.

Volunteers for Health Conference 2026: Collaboration in Action

The 2026 Volunteers for Health Northants Conference brought together a diverse and passionate group of partners from across the county, with over 50 organisations represented. The event created a space to reflect on the VfH journey so far, share progress, and celebrate the impact of collaboration—from test–and–learn projects to the development of key resources like the Volunteer Charter, Toolkit, and strategy. With powerful contributions from VCSE organisations, system partners, and volunteers themselves, the conference highlighted the real difference volunteering is making in communities.
There was a strong focus on learning and looking ahead, with early evaluation insights showing high engagement, meaningful social value, and positive outcomes already emerging. Open and energetic discussions explored how the sector can play a central role in the new neighbourhood models of care, reinforcing a shared ambition: to ensure volunteering and the VCFSE sector are recognised as vital, integral partners in shaping the future of health and care.

Get involved

If your organisation wants to engage with Volunteers for Health or learn more, contact:

John Soto, Project Manager
john.soto@voluntaryimpact.org.uk

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